INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR
at Meredith College
The international studies major is ideal for students who wish to take an interdisciplinary approach to world affairs. You will gain insight into diverse cultures, time periods, and political systems. Additionally, you will cultivate the critical thinking, research, analysis, and communication skills that employers are seeking.
“At Meredith, professors not only push you to do well, but to really be able to articulate your ideas, and to think about where your previous ideas came from. It’s helped me be more globally conscious and culturally aware.”
What is International Studies?
International studies is an interdisciplinary approach to world affairs. It combines history and political science, as well as courses from fields like business, economics, geography, fine arts, and foreign languages. Working with an academic advisor, you will design an individualized program that provides insight into contemporary global issues.
International studies majors regularly go on to graduate or law school and pursue careers in a variety of professional fields, such as international business, foreign service, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, travel and tourism, and more.
Read about how this major will prepare you for a strong career.
Our International Studies Programs
Students can choose to major or minor in International Studies. This major offers the flexibility to pursue a double major, additional minors, or the Accelerated Law Degree Program, as it has a moderate number of credit hours.
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to complete 36 credit hours, including 18 credit hours of core courses and 18 credit hours of elective courses.
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies requirements »
Undergraduate course catalogue »
Curriculum requirements and course descriptions are subject to changes with each catalogue.
Students minoring in International Studies are required to complete 18 credit hours, including 6 hours of core courses and 12 hours of electives courses.
International Studies Minor requirements
Undergraduate course catalogue »
Curriculum requirements and course descriptions are subject to changes with each catalogue.
Why Study International Studies at Meredith?
- Students in the international studies program graduate with the necessary skills to pursue graduate or law school.
- International studies majors are also well-suited for the Accelerated Law Degree Program. Meredith has agreements with Campbell Law School and Elon Law School that will allow you to save time and money by completing your senior year of undergraduate study and first year of law school simultaneously.
- You will have the flexibility to double major, pursue additional minors, and study abroad with ease.
- Scholarships for international studies majors include
- The Alice B. Keith Senior Scholarship awards $1,000 to a junior student with the best combination of academic achievement and career goals.
- The Frank and Carolyn Grubbs Scholarship awards $2,000 yearly to a rising senior with the most compelling combination of academic achievement and promise as a teacher.
- Student organizations for international studies majors include
- Model United Nations Club to develop cultural understanding and participate in intercollegiate diplomacy.
- Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for international studies.
- Meredith’s location near the state capital will give you the opportunity to have on-site experiences and create personal connections.
- International studies majors participate in a wide variety of internships available in business, governmental, and non-profit settings. Recent internship placements include
- U.S. Committee on Refugees and Immigrants
- International Affairs Council Internship
- U.S. Immigrations and Customs Bureau
What Can I Do with an International Studies Degree?
An international studies degree can prepare you for a wide array of potential careers in government, public history, the non-profit sector, business, and more. Additionally, many of our students choose to pursue graduate or law school.
Recent graduates have secured prestigious positions, such as
- Analyst, Department of Defense
- Assistant, Robertson Immigration Law Firm
- English Teacher, Beijing, China
- Foreign Affairs Analyst, Federal Government
- Principal and Grant Coordinator, Nash Community College
- Project Analyst, ACDI-VOCA
- Project Analyst, RTI International
- Spanish Teacher, Wake County Public School System
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for graduates with an interdisciplinary studies degree is $55,000.
Recent graduates have gone on to attend top graduate schools including
- Georgetown University
- New York University
- University of Delaware
- Utrecht University
Through a wide range of leadership roles, faculty support, and internships, international studies and political science major Danika Ray, ’24, gained confidence and skills that will set her up for success in her studies at Campbell Law School.
Maria-Fernanda Diaz-Jimenez, ’18, has been graced with a mosaic of knowledge and experiences.
International studies major, Meredith Votes participant, and president of the History and Politics Club Ann Cox, ’18, said her love of politics was encouraged at Meredith.
Videos About Meredith’s International Studies Major
International Studies News
Dawn Blagrove, attorney and executive director of Emancipate NC, presented the 2024 Summer Reading Program Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.
When a new historical marker was unveiled in downtown Raleigh on September 22, 2023, a group of Meredith College students, alumnae, and faculty were on hand to celebrate. The new marker, which now stands near the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, commemorates the women mathematicians who worked as “human computers” for the U.S. space program and military. Meredith College alumnae are among the women whose work is recognized with this new marker.
The Universities Studying Slavery Research Team from Meredith College presented its preliminary findings about the College’s history regarding slavery and race at the USS Conference hosted by Wake Forest University and Guilford College from March 30-April 2, 2022.
Contact Information
Angela Robbins
Department Chair
218 Lux Hall
aprobbins@meredith.edu
(919) 760-8825
